Together with artist Lauri Hoeg of the Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation, the Town of East Gwillimbury kicked off its events in recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation with today's unveiling of a land acknowledgement plaque and artwork at the civic centre.
The land acknowledgement honours the land of the First Peoples of the Williams Treaty First Nations and other Indigenous communities, according to the town's news release.
“The land acknowledgement plaque and artwork is a step toward increasing the knowledge and understanding of the Indian residential school system. It is important that we recognize this time as one of immense sadness,” said Mayor Virginia Hackson. “We are committed to working with Indigenous communities to do better. We are thankful to Lauri Hoeg for illustrating the land acknowledgement through her art and are honoured to feature it at the civic centre.”
The town is also providing educational information to staff and the community through online resources and information available at the farmers market on Thursday, Sept. 29. A flag raising will also be conducted on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Friday, Sept. 30, at 9 a.m. For details, visit eastgwillimbury.ca/NDTR.
